Tourism News
Autism Friendly Restaurants & Attractions in Myrtle Beach
Surfside Beach and Myrtle Beach have officially been named Autism-Friendly Destinations.! The Champion Autism Network (CAN) has been making strides in providing the Grand Strand community with autism-friendly events as well as working hard to train restaurants and attractions to become autism-friendly places for locals and visitors.
CAN also offers something called the CAN card, which allows guests to discreetly let restaurants 1. Where to seat you; 2. That you may have to leave at a moment’s notice; 3. You may be bringing special food for your family member; 4. you may have special order requests; and 5. Your family member with Autism may have issues sitting still, not making eye contact, and may be non-verbal. Many CAN card businesses also offer special discounts for cardholders! For more information, visit championautismnetwork.com.
Check out these autism friendly restaurants and attractions in Myrtle Beach:
Angel Pets
Angel Pets in Murrells Inlet offers 10% off to CAN card holders! They offer clean, caring, and reasonable priced grooming for your furry friends.
Benjamin's Bakery
Benjamin’s Bakery in Surfside offers 15% off when you show your CAN card. This bakery serves up breads, sweets, bagels, sandwiches, and in-house roasted coffee!
Brookgreen Gardens
1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
This beautiful historic sculpture garden has been CAN trained and certified! Show your CAN card at the ticket booth and the staff is alerted that there is a family with autism on-scene in case there are any episodes. Be sure to also show your card if you choose to go on any excursions and enjoy the beautiful views!
Coastal Life Photography
Choose Coastal Life Photography for your photoshoot and you will get a photographer who is autism-experienced, patient, and fun! Show your CAN card and Coastal Life Photography will donated a portion of their proceeds to the Champion Autism Network.
Famous Toastery
This Carolina Forest breakfast and lunch eatery offers 10% off when you show your CAN card.
Garden City Pancake House
Garden City Pancake House is offering 10% off for families who show their CAN card. Please call 30-60 minutes ahead for parties of 10 or more.
Golden Egg
The best times to go to this Surfside breakfast diner is between 6-9:30 a.m. and after 12 p.m. They offer delicious breakfasts along with gluten free choices. If there’s a wait, show your CAN card for preferential seating.
Good Day Cafe
This adorable little café in the heart of Myrtle Beach not only is a CAN card business, but they also employ folks on the spectrum. They offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Show your CAN card and you can get a free sweet or unsweet tea along with 10% off!
Hamburger Joe’s
712 48th Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Hamburger Joe’s in Surfside Beach and in North Myrtle Beach offer 10% off with your CAN card. The best times to go to either location are from 3-5 p.m.
Holistic Family Wellness & Kids Thrive Tribe
This company is focused on providing education toward discovering the root causes of symptoms you may be experiencing. If you show your CAN card, you can get a free antioxidant scan on your first visit.
Jellie Bellie & Co
This Surfside eatery offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, ice cream, and even a coffee bar! Show you CAN card and you will get preferential seating.
Johnny D's Waffles & Bakery
This favorite restaurant is super supportive of the autism community, but the restaurant itself can often be busy. They do have a set of noise-cancelling headphones available for use. Peak times are from 10:30-12:30. Show your CAN card and get 10% off as well as preferential seating. They have a location in Myrtle Beach and one in North Myrtle Beach called Johnny D’s Waffles & Benedicts.
King of Carts
If you’re staying in Surfside, this place is the go-to for golf cart rentals! Present your CAN card and get 10% off.
Lazer's Pizza
Treat yourself to pizza, gyros, cheesesteaks, subs, and more at Lazer’s Pizza. If you show your CAN card you will get 10% off.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
1251 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Join the Myrtle Beach Pelicans for Minor League baseball! Show your CAN card at the box office or use the code CAN19 online for $10 tickets and a wristband for inflatables!
Myrtle Beach Skywheel
1110 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Show your CAN card at the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and you will be moved to the front of the line.
Ocean's Edge Salon and Spa
Ocean’s Edge Salon in Surfside offers 10% off with your CAN card.
Ole Fashion Ice Cream Parlor
Treat yourself to something sweet at the Ole Fashion Ice Cream Parlor! You’ll get 10% off for showing your CAN card.
Pigtails & Crewcuts
Haircuts for Kids: This salon is super fun for kids! They’ll get a haircut in a car-themed chair, watch a movie, or play video games. The best times to go are Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. If you show you’re CAN card, you’ll get $2 off.
Ripley’s Aquarium
1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Ripley’s Aquarium offers noise-cancelling headphones at Guest Services. Also, if you show your CAN card you’ll receive the education rate for $10.99 plus tax/person.
Surf Diner
Enjoy oceanfront dining at the Surfside Pier along with 10% off with your CAN card.
Surfside Pizza
This Surfside pizzeria offers 10% off with your CAN card. Pick-up or delivery is recommended as they only have a small dining area. However, they only deliver to Surfside.
Wild Water & Wheels
910 Highway 17 S, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
This awesome family-friendly waterpark is home to a sensory-friendly booth. Show your CAN card and get tickets for $17.98 plus tax at the ticket counter.
